'What are the chances of finding the child alive, Chief Superintendent?'
The radio reporter looked barely more than a child himself.
Looking at him, Andy Martin wondered whether he might be on a work-experience placement, used by the station as a cheap way of providing Saturday news cover.
'There's every chance, Mr…?' His voice tailed off.
'Braden, sir.'
'… Mr Braden. In fact, we're very hopeful of finding Mark alive.
Our ground search has run its course, and so far we've had plenty of support from the public. Sooner or later we'l get a lead.
'What I am doing today is renewing my request to property-owners to check garages and outbuildings – anywhere that a frightened child might be hiding. Also, I'm asking everyone who was in the Trinity area of Edinburgh on Friday afternoon to think hard, just in case they saw anything unusual, particularly if it involved a child and a grey car.'
The boy looked eagerly at the detective. 'Is that your most positive lead so far, a grey car?'
'To be unusual y frank with you, it's our only lead so far.'
John Hunter waved a hand. 'So kidnap's now becoming a probability, is it, Andy?'
Martin nodded. 'With every passing minute. We're being as positive as we can in our search, of course. If you're an innocent motorist in a grey car, I apologise in advance for the inconvenience of being stopped by the police. But I'm sure you'll realise that we're only doing what's necessary.'
He looked at the assembled media. 'That's al I have for you today, folks. Same time tomorrow, unless anything breaks. If that happens you'll be contacted.'
John Hunter fell into step with the detective as he left the room.
'Where's Royston?' he muttered.
'Don't ask,' Martin whispered in return.
'Oh. I see.' The old journalist paused. 'Listen, Andy. I saw that wee shite Salmon in the bar of the Bank Hotel last night, after you had flung him out of here. He wasn't letting on why, but he looked as
happy as a two-cocked dog in a stand of trees.
'He's up to something, and whatever it is, I have a feeling that your lot aren't going to like it.'